Tirso Luis Páez

Bongo, Left-Handed Drum, Minor Percussion
Born: Havana, May 16, 1985

Tirso Luis Páez is the son of Ana Maria Páez, the lead female singer of 3 de la Habana, but he doesn't sing in the group. He is one of two percussionists – but he is simply passionate about bongo drums.

Laughs Tirso: "In North America, the bongo is identified with the beatniks of the 1950s, I think. But we see it as completely Cuban, and it is my favorite instrument. The bongo is actually from Africa but its history can be traced to Cuban musical styles known as changui and son. For me, it is completely contemporary and adds constant spice to the complex rhythms of 3 de la Habana."

Tirso's first instrument was the guitar and he still plays, but his heart is a drumbeat of bongos. 3 de la Habana has been all over the globe, and Tirso has traveled with them, studying during the day, and playing at night. He has been playing with 3 de la Habana since he was 13 and has seen a lot of the world for someone so young.

Says Tirso: "I loved traveling in England and Australia and would love to return soon. I must confess there is something that I like better than music and that is soccer. I am a fanatic and my favorite team is Real Madrid. So I confess that my favorite city, after Havana, is Madrid – and I have never even been there. If we went to Spain and Real Madrid was playing, they probably would have to chain me to the stage."

Spanish singer/songwriter Alejandro Sanz is a particular favorite of Tirso … and another reason to love Spain.

Says Tirso: "Alejandro started in the music industry very young, as I did, has won several Grammy awards and carefully targets a truly international audience. I adore his music, first and foremost, but think of him also as a career model and inspiration for me now that Latin music is a global phenomenon."

Tirso is perhaps the most thoroughly modern member of the band. His favorite group outside of 3 de la Haban is Los Van Van, the Cuban band led by bassist Juan Formell.

Says Tirso: "Afro-Cuban rhythms are at the core of Cuban music, but I love the way Juan Formell constantly moves his group to the forward edge of Latin music. Los Van Van has been out there for more than 30 years, but they are still fresh. I think you will see that kind of constant innovation over time in 3 de la Habana too because every member of the group has their iPods tuned to the latest beat, no matter wherever in the world it is to be found."